Bushra Griffith
Pimento cheese is a popular dish in the South, often referred to as the caviar of the south. It is a combination of cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and spices, and is usually served with celery, crackers, or pretzel thins. It can be used as a spread on sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, or even on a charcuterie board. Pimento cheese can also be added to dishes like mac and cheese, omelets, and casseroles, or used as a dip for vegetables or crackers. It is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can enhance a variety of recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Condiment |
| Consistency | Creamy spread |
| Taste | Tangy, spicy, savoury |
| Ingredients | Cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic, onion, jalapenos, cayenne pepper |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, celery, bread, sandwiches, burgers, grilled meat, fried green tomatoes, hash browns, eggs, sausages, avocado, popcorn |
| Variations | Flatbreads, stuffed chicken breasts, tacos, mac and cheese, cauliflower bites, fritters, empanadas, charcuterie boards |
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What You'll Learn
Sandwiches
Pimento cheese is a popular sandwich filling. You can make a classic pimento cheese sandwich by spreading the pimento cheese on your favourite bread, and eating it cold or grilled.
You can also make pimento cheese BLTs, or pimento cheese grilled cheese sandwiches. For a more substantial sandwich, you could try making pimento cheese biscuit sliders with ham and sweet and spicy pickles.
If you're making sandwiches for a crowd, pimento cheese is a great option as it's easy to make and a true crowd-pleaser. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a simple, comforting meal.
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Crackers
Pimento cheese is a Southern delicacy with a rich history. It is a creamy blend of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimentos, often seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. While it can be used in various ways, such as a spread on sandwiches or a filling in stuffed vegetables, one popular way to enjoy pimento cheese is as a dip with crackers.
When it comes to choosing the right crackers for pimento cheese, there are several options available:
Saltines
Saltines are a popular choice, especially in the South. They have a neutral flavour with a hint of saltiness that enhances the taste of pimento cheese. They are crispy yet not too hard, making them perfect for spreading or scooping. They also have the right amount of sturdiness, allowing you to bite into them without having them crumble into pieces.
Water Crackers
Water crackers are another option that pairs well with pimento cheese. They have a neutral flavour and a crispy texture, providing a nice base for the creamy cheese spread.
Rustic Whole Wheat Flatbreads
If you're looking for something a little heartier, rustic whole wheat flatbreads can be a good choice. Look for those sprinkled with herbs and flaky salt to add a bit of flavour to your pimento cheese experience.
Buttery Club Crackers
For a richer option, buttery Club crackers are a neutral-flavoured cracker that can be a good vehicle for pimento cheese. They have a buttery flavour and a crisp texture, making them a tasty choice.
Pita Chips
Pita chips are another cracker option that can be paired with pimento cheese. They have a sturdier texture, making them ideal for dipping into the creamy spread.
Homemade Pimento Cheese Crackers
For a truly indulgent experience, you can even make your own pimento cheese crackers. These crackers have pimento cheese baked right into them, intensifying the pimento cheese flavour. They have a crunchy outside and a soft, buttery inside, making them a delicious treat.
While pimento cheese can be enjoyed with a variety of crackers, it's generally recommended to avoid overly fancy or strongly flavoured crackers, as they can detract from the simple yet satisfying taste of the pimento cheese.
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Burgers
Pimento cheese is a popular topping for burgers in Columbia, South Carolina, and is a well-known Southern specialty. It is a creamy, tangy, spicy, and piquant spread that can be used to top a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese to chicken.
To make pimento cheese, blend together shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the consistency of the spread by adding more or less mayonnaise. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper.
When making a pimento cheese burger, start by grilling or frying your beef patty, seasoned with salt and pepper, to your desired level of doneness. Place the cooked patty on a buttered bun and top with a generous spoonful of pimento cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly, and then add any additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickles. You can also spread the pimento cheese on the bottom bun before placing the patty on top, and then add more cheese on top of the patty.
Pimento cheese burgers are a delicious and indulgent option for your next cookout or barbecue, and are sure to be a crowd favourite.
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Salads
Pimento cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads. Here are some ideas for using pimento cheese in salads:
Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
A popular way to use pimento cheese in a salad is to combine it with pasta. This type of salad is perfect for summer and can be served as a side dish at cookouts or BBQs. To make a pimento cheese pasta salad, cook your desired type of pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, mix up a dressing of your choice. Chop up some vegetables, such as red peppers, and grate your cheese. Combine all the ingredients, including the dressing, and gently stir until everything is mixed well. You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the salad by adding more relish or hot sauce. Refrigerate the salad before serving.
Pimento Cheese Potato Salad
Another option for a pimento cheese salad is to combine it with boiled potatoes. This type of salad is perfect for backyard BBQs and picnics. To make this salad, gently fold the pimento cheese into the potatoes while they are still warm. Adjust the vinegar, mayonnaise, and salt to taste. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as roasted bell peppers or green poblanos, to add a crunchy and vibrant texture to the salad.
Other Ideas
In addition to the pasta and potato salads, you can also use pimento cheese as a topping or ingredient in other types of salads. For example, you can spread it on crackers or slices of baguette and serve it as an appetizer or side dish. You can also get creative and add pimento cheese to your favourite salad recipes, such as a broccoli salad, to give them a creamy and cheesy flavour.
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Dips
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern recipe that can be used as a dip, sandwich filling, or topping. It is made with simple ingredients that, when combined, are hard to resist. The dip is rich, creamy, tangy, peppery, and spreadable.
- Use a food processor to combine half of the shredded cheese with cream cheese, mayonnaise, peppers, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the remaining shredded cheese, stirring to combine.
- Cover and chill the dip for a few hours before serving.
- If you want to make it spicy, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- For a lighter option, use sour cream instead of mayonnaise.
- Sharp cheddar cheese is the most classic option, but you can use any type of cheese you like.
- If you can't find pimentos, you can substitute roasted red peppers.
Pimento cheese dip can be served with a variety of items, such as:
- Crackers
- Vegetables
- Potato chips
- Pretzels
- Bread or toast
- Burgers
- Fried green tomatoes
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Frequently asked questions
You can put pimento cheese on anything you would put regular cheese on. Some popular options include sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, eggs, omelets, salads, and crackers.
You can make a classic pimento cheese sandwich with your favorite bread, or try a grilled cheese sandwich, BLT, or flatbread sandwich. For a more creative option, make pimento cheese biscuit sliders with ham and sweet and spicy pickles.
You can add pimento cheese to a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese, hash brown potato casserole, dips, pizza, stuffed peppers, quesadillas, tacos, and more.
Pimento cheese is often served with crackers, celery, pretzel thins, or vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes. It can also be part of a charcuterie board, paired with meats, cheeses, nuts, and jellies.
